From the New York Times: Three more members of the Iranian women’s national soccer team, who had applied for asylum in Australia after facing threats of punishment at home for an act of protest, have decided instead to return to Iran, Australian officials said on Sunday.
In all, four of the seven women who had asked to remain in Australia after the end of the Asian Cup tournament last week have rescinded their bids for asylum.
The team had become a cause célèbre after the players elected not to sing the Iranian national anthem in the opening match of the Australia-hosted tournament this month, in an apparent protest against Iran’s government only two days after the U.S.-Israeli attacks on the country began. A commentator on Iranian state media called them “traitors” for their silence, raising widespread concerns they would face consequences upon arrival back in Iran.
The Australian government said it offered humanitarian visas to most of the delegation, including the players and many members of the support staff. Seven individuals asked to remain, but one changed her mind last week and opted to return — an indication of the difficult choice they faced between their personal safety and the welfare of family members at home.
Tina Kordrostami, a counselor in Australia, said the players were “heavily intimidated,” and their families were likely threatened if they did not return.
She said families members were not only threatened, but some have been detained and are “missing.”
🚨 BREAKING: In a terrifying update, all but THREE Iranian Women’s Soccer players have rushed back to Iran from Australia despite being offered asylum
“They are heavily intimidated.”
Their families were likely THREATENED if they did not return. So tragic.pic.twitter.com/pM1QWL7zNf
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 14, 2026
Tony Burke, Australia’s home affairs minister, had previously announced that 5 players first requested asylum in Australia, then two more – one player and one member of the support team joined them, bringing the total to 7 who refused to return to Iran.
However, now four in all have changed their minds and decided to return to Iran, leaving only three still in Australia.
Later in the evening, they were reunited with their five teammates who had made the same decision the night before.
They will be safe here. They will be at home here. They are welcome here in Australia. pic.twitter.com/6jjtPmYgLX
— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) March 10, 2026
Three Iranian soccer players granted asylum in Australia are returning back home where they will likely face the death penalty.
Since their stance against the Iranian Regime, family members have been detained and gone missing.
Pray for these women. pic.twitter.com/vunrzE3mDF
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) March 14, 2026
READ MORE from the New York Times.
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